All Quebec police forces, in collaboration with Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) roadside inspectors, will be stepping up their interventions and awareness-raising activities from October 6 to 12, as part of Opération nationale concertée (ONC) Distraction.

Numerous police operations will be held across Quebec to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, and to intervene with distracted drivers.

Whether caused by the use of an electronic device, the wearing of headphones, an object or animal that obstructs or hinders driving, or external preoccupations, distraction takes many forms.

Distracted driving is one of the main causes of fatal and serious injury collisions in Quebec. It reduces the driver's attention and concentration, and increases the risk of being involved in a collision.

Distraction: a major cause of accidents

Every year, on average, from 2018 to 2022, distraction was the cause of accidents resulting in: 122 deaths (39%); and 465 people seriously injured (41%). This problematic behavior also increases the risk of committing other violations of the Highway Safety Code.

The theme of the ONC Distraction 2023 campaign is "All your attention on the road". The angle chosen is designed to remind drivers that it's important to stay focused on the road, because driving is a complex task that requires our full attention. Distracted drivers can miss up to 50% of the information in their environment.

SAAQ

For its part, the SAAQ is running an awareness campaign on distracted driving from September 18 to October 15. With this campaign, the SAAQ aims to make drivers aware of the importance of staying focused on the road and giving it their full attention.

There are many sources of distraction, and although they may sometimes seem harmless, the simple fact of looking away or being in our thoughts can have serious consequences.

Safety boils down to one simple thing: stay focused and, as far as possible, deal with distractions before you set off, or after you've brought your vehicle to a safe, authorized stop. When driving, keep your full attention on the road!